Two-Way Mentoring Program

What Two-Way Mentoring means for CATSINaM

Learning is most powerful when it moves both ways. Two-Way Mentoring is about walking together — listening, sharing, and learning from one another’s experiences. It recognises that both people bring their own knowledge, stories, and strengths to the relationship.

The CATSINaM Two-Way Mentoring Program, aims to create a space where nurses and midwives connect not just through their work, but through who they are, where they come from, and the communities they serve. It’s a relationship grounded in reciprocity, respect, and care values that have always guided our ways of knowing, being, and doing.

Each mentor brings something important to the relationship. One might share wisdom from years of practice in nursing or midwifery; another might bring deep cultural knowledge, clinical knowledge, community understanding, or leadership experience. Together, they listen to story, reflect on practice, and grow personally, culturally, and professionally.

Through this shared journey, mentors strengthen their understanding of cultural safety, holistic care, and connection. They walk side by side, learning with and from each other, building relationships that honour both culture and care.

“Two-way mentoring is about walking together sharing story, wisdom, and experience. It’s about learning with each other, not from each other.”

How It Works

A Three-Phase Journey of Growth and Connection

We’ve designed a flexible, meaningful program that unfolds in three core phases:

Phase 1 – Program Preparation

  • Call for Expressions of Interest
  • Information sessions
  • Participant selection and onboarding
  • Matching of mentors with mentees
  • Welcome session and cultural introduction 

Phase 2 – Implementation

  • Virtual workshops
  • Two face-to-face or hybrid gatherings
  • Ongoing support and resources
  • Community-building activities

Phase 3 – Evaluation

  • Program feedback and reflection
  • Celebration and graduation
  • Future pathways and ongoing connection

Why Mentorship Matters

The Benefits of Being Part of the Program

  • Professional Development

Build leadership, clinical, and interpersonal skills with culturally relevant guidance.

  • Cultural Connection

Mentoring within a culturally safe space strengthens identity, pride, and belonging.

  • Networking & Collaboration

Access a powerful professional network to support your career journey and future goals.

  • Emotional Support

Receive encouragement, inspiration, and strategies to overcome isolation or workplace challenges.

  • Leadership for the Future

Be part of growing the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare leaders.

Testimonials from Participants

“Gained further insight into mentoring and how to build my skills. Education like this makes learning much easier and improves my confidence.” — 2024 Workshop Participant

“This was a great workshop to attend. It taught me how to grow within mentoring and governance, self-reflect, and mentor my children and community.” — 2024 Pilot Participant

Become a Sponsor

Support a Movement, Not Just a Program

The CATSINaM Mentorship Program is proudly supported by partners who believe in the power of Indigenous-led health leadership. 

Interested in sponsoring CATSINaM? 


Get Involved

Ready to walk alongside the next generation?

Expressions of Interest are now open for both mentors and mentees.

Whether you're a seasoned professional, a student seeking support, or an organisation ready to invest in the future of Indigenous healthcare, we'd love to hear from you.

To find out more contact [email protected].

Program Sponsor

The CATSINaM Mentorship Program could not proceed without the generous sponsorship of the Minderoo Foundation, a proudly Australian philanthropy, working to forge a fair future by courageously challenging inequalities and campaigning for meaningful change.

Learn more about the Minderoo Foundation here.

 

Partners

The CATSINaM Mentorship Program is facilitated by ETM Perspectives (ETMP), a 100% Indigenous-owned company dedicated to people development by fostering safe, impactful dialogue and relationships within organisations.

Learn more about ETMP here.